From formal wear to casual dress, a bow tie is an accessory that exudes class and sophistication. In the right environment (and with an impeccable Samuel Baron Clothiers suit,) the perfect custom bow tie can even transform an everyday outfit to a fun and quirky ensemble. In recent years, the bow tie has stepped away from its stuffy and austere reputation and defined itself as a fashionable accessory. Use the following tips and tricks guide to keep your accessories in line with your look, taking your office look, or casual attire, to the next levelWhere Did They Come From?The bow tie as we know it today has roots in Croatian history. During the Prussian Wars of the 17th century, Croatian missionaries wore a scarf, or ribbon, around their necks to hold their shirts closed. This trend was soon adopted by the fashion-forward French upperclass under the name “cravat”. This style was prominent during the 18th and 19th centuries, and soon developed into both the traditional bow tie as we know it, and the straight necktie.Tying Your Bow TieThough there are plenty of options for those afraid to experiment with their look. At Samuel Baron Clothiers, we firmly believe that all bow ties should be tied by hand. All of our custom ties come untied, and the process of tying your custom piece adds to the overall personal style of your look.To begin, there are five shapes every bow tie connoisseur should know:The Butterfly - This is the standard style that most people are familiar with.
The Big Butterfly - A variation on the standard style with a larger, and more relaxed, silhouette.
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The Bat Wing - This variation is the smallest in height at less-than two inches, this tie offers the wearer a sleek and modern look.
The Diamond Point - A style that is quickly gaining popularity, the Diamond Point bow tie has pointed edges to give it a diamond shape.The Rounded Corner - The most rare of the bow tie variations, the edges of this unique style, as the name suggests, are round, not flat.What To Wear It With?
After choosing the perfect bow tie AND learning how to tie it, you may be wondering when is the appropriate time to debut your new custom tie. Though there are very few times that it is “inappropriate” to wear a bow tie, there are occasions where a bow tie may be necessary to complete your look.As a general rule of thumb, bow ties are more commonly seen in formal settings - and always when the wearer has donned a tuxedo for the evening. During black tie events, the standard formal attire is a black tuxedo, complete with a black bow tie, preferably in satin. Semi-formal occasions offer a little more flexibility in styling options. Feel-free to experiment with bold patterns and textures in your neckwear to add a splash of personality to your ensemble. Though it may be fun to play up the color or sport a tie with an exciting pattern, some hosts may not approve of eccentric bow ties, so be sure to keep the dress code in mind.Of course bow ties are acceptable for casual events, as well. In such settings, we believe in letting your personal style stand out! Sport funky patterns and bright colors in your bow tie, or accessorize further with suspenders, printed socks or bright shoelaces. National Bow Tie Day only comes around once a year, so take advantage of the occasion to display your style with pride. We’d love to see how you wear your bow tie, so visit us on Instagram or Twitter to share your photo!